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AN  ADDRESS, 


DEI.IVETIED   BEFOUE  TUB 


i^lLIISSSJH  iiSJ®  ©IEiiIB)Wii^nS3=©  ^ILj^g© 


ITITITEESITT  OP  U.  C. 


WEDNESDAY,  JUNE  3,  1810. 


BY  DANIEL   M.  BARRINGER,   ESQ. 


RALEIGH: 


PHIXTED   AT  THE  OFFICE  OF  THE   HALEIGH   STAR. 


1840 

r 


/j*»r^  ^.  ^ 


■7 


CORRESPONDENCE. 


,/ 


y?'^ 


Chapel  Mill,  June  1,  1810. 

VVc  liave  been  appointed  to  tender  you  the  ibanks  of  ilie  Di- 
.dccLic  Society,  for  your  able  Address  before  the  Alumni  and  CJraduating 
Class,  on  yesterday  morning;  and  lo  request  a  copy  of  the  same  for  pub- 
lication. 

Yours,  vvith  respect, 

T.  L.  AVERY,  -) 

J.  F.  HOKE,      KCommiikc. 

A.  R,  KELLY.  S 


fo  Daniel  M.  Carringer,  Esq. 


Gentlemen: 


Universitv  of  N.  C, 
June  Ith,  1840. 


•i 


i 


I  have  received  this  morning  your  note  requesting,  V'  t S- 
on  behalf  of  the  Dialectic  Society,  a  copy  of  the  Address  delivered  by  V_^\ 
me  on  yesterday  morning  before  tho  Alumni  and  Graduating  Class,  with 
the  expiKJssion  of  a  desire  that  it  may  be  published.  I  feel  a  sincere  diffi- 
dence in  yielding  to  the  request  of  the  Society:  but  if  it  be  regarded  as 
containing  any  valuable  or  useful  suggestion,  worthy  of  public  conside- 
ration,  the  Society  is  at  liberty  to  make  such  disposal  of  the  Address  as 
in  its  sound,  discretion  it  may  think  proper. 

Permit  me,  gentlemen,  through  you  to  tender  to  the  Society  whose 
humble  organ  I  have  been,  my  grateful  acknowledgments  for  the  gene- 
rous but  undeserved  partiality  which  it  has  manifested  towards  me:  And 
please  accept  for  yourselves  my  thanks  for  the  polite  and  courteous  man- 
ner in  which  you  have  expressed  to  me  the  wishes  of  your  Society. 
With  assurance  of  my  sincere  esteem, 

j         1  am,  gentlemen, 

'"■-,^_     _  -Your  friend  and  ob'l.  serv't, 

D.  M.  JARRING ER, 
To  Thomas  L.  Avery,  ) 

John  F.  Hoke,         C  Cvmmiilcc, 
Angus  R.  Kelly.    S 


£^I5)m)IBl^g)t^o 


^ 


Gentlemen  Alumni  of  the  University: 

We  are  again  assembled  on  this  classic  ground. 
How  vivid  and  endearing  are  the  rcminiscencies  of  earlier 
life  that  crowd  upon  our  memories!  How  gratefully  joyous 
the  greetings  of  friends,  whom  congenial  pursuits  had  bound 
together  amid  these  temples  of  science  and  learning,  while 
we  were  yet  strangers  to  a  world  whose  corroding  cares,  sor- 
did passions  and  empty  vanities  could  not  reach  to  destroy 
the  affections  we  then  so  ardently  cherished !  We  have  met 
to  renew  and  confirm  these  youthful  friendships;  to  brighten 
and  strengthen  the  links  that  enchained  our  young  hearts  to- 
gether. We  have  met  here  to  enjoy  the  sweet  reverie  which 
springs  from  the  hallowed  associations  of  this  sacred  spot :  to 
look  once  more  on  the  venerable  oaks,  and  linger  once  again 
in  the  consecrated  groves,  where  the  genial  sun  of  science 
first  illumined  our  mental  vision;  to  recur  to  the  thrilling  in- 
cidents of  a  season 

"  When  life  itself  was  new, 
«'  And  the  heart  promised  what  ihe  fancy  drew"; 
and  to  commune,  in  fond  recollection,  of  the  gavdia  ccrta- 
7)iinis,  not  indeed  of  the  debasing  strifes  of  an  envious  rival- 
ry, but  of  the  generous  strugsfles  and  lofty  emulations  of 
that  intellectual  v/arfare  whose  holy  aim  was  to  dignify  the 
mind — ennoble  the  Iieart — and  prepare  us  for  the  high  pur- 
poses of  our  being.  Here,  too,  the  spirit  of  association  will 
trace  on  the  pages  of  memory  the  images  of  those  who.  pil- 
grims of  different  climes  and  countries,  have  been  dispersed, 
by  the  vicissitudes  of  fortune,  throughout  the  length  and 
breadth  of  the  earth — will  repeat,  with  the  pensiv'e  harmony 
of  the  songs  of  other  days,  the  merry  sounds  of  voices  that 
have  been  hushed  forever  in  the  silence  of  the  tomb.  It  will 
remind  us  of  bright  hopes  that  have  been  shrouded  in  the 
oblivion  of  an  early  grave,,  and  the  warm  gushings  of  glad 


hoctiis  that  liave  long  ceased  to  palpilute  forever,  it  will  teU 
us,  too,  of  otheTs.  who  have  opened  the  career  of  Hfe,  and. 
like  inetcorS;  have  blazed  for  a  while  in  the  circles  of  their  in- 
iliiencc,  and  then  disappeared  forever;  or,  more  unfortunate 
stiil,  have  sunk,  by  their  own  folly,  weakness  and  inability  to 
withstand  the  shocks  and  injuries  of  fortune,  into  the  depths 
of  an  inglorious  obscurity.  It  will  remember  us,  again,  of 
others,  who  have  always  kept  their  weapons  bright — whose 
fortitude  has  been  undismayed — whose  integrity  of  purpose 
has  prevailed  against  the  temptations  of  life — who  have 
pressed  forward  to  the  prize  of  their  high  calling,  and  "climb- 
ed the  steep  where  fame's  proud  temple  shines  afar" — thus 
realizing  the  fond  expectations  of  early  friends — banishing 
the  trembling  anxieties  of  parental  solicUude — ^rewarding  the 
untiring  devotion  of  kind  instructors — and  fulfilling  the  just 
claims  of  their  country's  need. 

We  are  here  also,  gentlemen,  in  our  annual  pilgrimage  to 
these  shrines  of  literature,  to  bear  testimony  to  the  progress- 
ive prosperity  of  our  beloved  Alma  Mater;  and  to  give  en- 
couragement to  the  guardians  of  her  welfare,  not  only  to 
maintain  the  high  character  she  has  already  acquired  in  the 
estimation  of  our  common  country,  but  to  stimulate  new  ex- 
ertions in  her  behalf,  that  she  may  be  placed  on  a  basis  which 
shall  not  be  shaken  by  the  tides  of  false  prejudice  or  unfore- 
seen adversity:  so  that,  for  all  time  to  come,  she  may  contin- 
ue to  be  a  beacon-light  from  which  shall  be  radiated  through- 
out the  whole  limits  of  our  wide-spread  domain,  the  pure 
beams  of  knowledge  and  of  truth. 

We  are  here  too,  to  look  upon  and  cheer,  by  our  presence, 
the  ingenuous  efforts  of  young  minds  that  may  hereafter  soar 
with  eagle's  wings  into  the  loftiest  regions  of  fancy  and  phi- 
losophy; and  to  witness  the  imposing  and  interesting  ceremo- 
ny of  ushering  upon  the  untried  scenes  of  practical  life,  a 
class  of  youthful  soldiers  of  learning,  about  to  engage  in  the 
business  and  assume  the  responsibilities  of  manhood.  And 
1  hope,  young  gentlemen  of  the  Senior  Class,  you  will  par. 
don  here  the  expression  of  our  gratification  in  a  knowledge 
of  the  fact  that  yours  is  a  class  equally  distinguished  in  the 


"iiiials  of  oiiv  Commcr.ccmcnts.  for  tlic  niiml'cr  ?ud  talent  oi 
Its  members. 

The  limit  which  marks  tlio  entrance  of  yontli  upon  man- 
liood;  has  been  signahzed  in  every  nation  by  some  conspicu- 
ous distinction,  either  of  Icpffil  authority  or  vohmtary  cele- 
bration. The  German  youth  of  the  age  of  Tacitus,  upon  its 
arrival,  was  solemnly  presented  witli  a  shield  and  a  spear, 
in  the  presence  o{  the  chiefs  and  the  valiant  of  tl;e  land. 
The  youthful  Roman,  in  the  open  forum,  surrounded  by  the 
assembled  citizens,  was  invested  with  the  robo  of  manhood. 
So,  on  this  occasion,  in  accordance  with  a  senlimcnl  so  natu- 
ral, and  in  analogy  to  a  custom  so  universal,  wo  have  assem- 
bled in  the  presence  of  the  Vv'iso,  the  learned,  the  beautiful, 
the  accomplished  and  honorable  of  the  land,  to  cheer  your 
first  entrance  on  the  great  theatre  of  human  life,  armed,  no! 
indeed  with  the  "  scutian  fraincaqnc,"  after  the  m.anner  of 
the  rude  chivalry  o(  the  ancient  German,  or  the  sword  and 
buckler  of  the  warlike  Scandinavian,  nor  clad  with  the  -  to- 
g(2  virlUs'''  of  the  idolatrous  Roman;  but  defended  with  the 
unstained  armour  of  an  intellectual  panopl^^,  and  clothed  in 
the  unspotted  robes  of  scientific  truth.,  whitened  and  purified 
by  the  mild  influences  of  the  Christian  age  in  which  Vv'elive. 
To  you,  young  gentlemen,  it  is  the  most  important  crisis  in 
the  eventful  lives  upon  the  duties  of  vdiich  you  are  about  to 
engage.  It  is  the  shore  which  divides  the  land  on  which 
you  have  remained  in  easy  security,  under  the  safe  and  re- 
straining protection  of  parents,  guardians  and  instructors, 
from  that  perilous  ocean  of  life,  on  v/hose  tumultuous  bil- 
lows you  are  now  to  launch  your  untried  barks,  fraught  u-ith 
the  dearest  interests  and  highest  hopes  of  human  existence. 

And  we,  gentlemen  Alumni,  have  thrown  aside,  lor  a  sea- 
son, the  grovelling  concerns  of  worldly  strife — desisted  from 
the  vain  and  exciting  struggles  of  human  ambition — and 
come  up  to  this  high  festival,  not  merely  to  enjoy  the  pure 
and  tranquil  pleasures  of  a  literary  bancjuet,  so  exojuisitely 
prepared  by  the  masters  of  the  feast;  not  merely  to  catch  the 
subduing  inspirations  and  dwell  on  the  sv.'eet  mementos  of 
the  place;  not  only  to  establisli  the  relations  of  youthful 


friendship,  to  renew  the  vows  that  were  made  in  our  early 
devotions  at  the  altars  of  literature,  and  to  stimulate  and  en- 
courage those  who  are  to  come  after  us,  and  are  now  being 
ushered  through  the  ceremonies  of  tliis  occasion,  on  the  bu- 
sy stage  of  life.  These,  agreeable,  and  laudable,  and  noble 
as  they  are,  should  not  be  the  only  incentives  for  our  annual 
visitations  to  this  venerable  seat  of  learning.  We  have  a 
higher  motive.  We  have  a  sacred  duty  to  perform.  We 
have  been  voyagers,  for  greater  or  less  periods,  on  this  tem- 
pestuous ocean.  We  have  been  tossed  on  the  swelling  waves 
of  its  bosom — we  have  acquired  some  knowledge  of  its  dan- 
gers, its  Scyllas  and  Charybdis,  its  tempests  and  whirlpools. 
We  have  returned  again  to  the  haven  whence,  too,  our  barks 
were  launched  on  its  boundless  surface.  Combining  the  ex- 
perience of  the  past  with  our  knowledge  of  the  present,  we 
may  claim  to  bestow  some  reflections  on  the  future.  Under 
such  circumstances,  it  becomes  our  duty  not  only  to  form  for 
ourselves  new  resolutions  of  perseverance  in  rectitude — to 
stimulate  virtue  and  warn  against  vice;  but  also  to  point  out 
to  others,  our  successors,  the  paths  of  duty  and  of  honour; 
to  guard  them  against  the  temptations  and  allurements  by 
which  they  are  encompassed;  and  to  supplicate  them  to  be 
steadfast  in  the  performance  of  the  obligations  to  themselves, 
their  country  and  their  God,  by  which  their  own  happiness 
and  renown  shall  be  secured — the  nation's  welfare  establish- 
ed— and  the  only  true  purpose  of  human  existence  fulfilled 
in  bliss  throughout  the  countless  ages  of  eternity. 

Deeply  impressed  with  a  sense  of  this  duty  which  we  owe 
to  ourselves,  Gentlemen  Alumni,  and  to  you.  Gentlemen  of 
the  Senior  Class,  and  to  those  whom  our  cherished  Alma 
Mater  is  annually  sending  forth  to  engage  in  the  great  busi- 
ness of  life,  in  the  further  prosecution  of  the  objects  of  this 
Address,  I  would  submit,  for  your  consideration,  some  reflec- 
tions on  the  influence  and  duties  of  educated  men  in  the 
United  States:  a  subject,  equally  interesting  to  such  of  them 
as  have  past,  as  to  those  who  are  standing  on  the  threshold 
of  life. 

If  an  earnest  desire  to  yield  to  the  unexpected  request  of 


9 

the  Society,  of  which  I  have  been  made  the  organ  in  address- 
ing you  on  the  present  occasion,,  has  induced  me  to  resist  the 
sincere  difFidence  and  iinallected  reluctance  I  entertained  in 
attempting  to  appear  in  a  place  lliat  has  been  adorned  by  the 
graces  of  eloquence  and  the  lessons  of  mature  wisdom,  then 
I  may  claim  the  indulgent  favour  of  those  of  whom  1  am  the 
undeserving  instrument.  And  if  an  humble  soldier  in  the 
cause  of  learning,  untrained  to  literary  exercise,  has  consent- 
ed to  stand  upon  the  ground  where  giants  m  literature  have 
stood  before,  with  an  anxious  wish  to  add  something  to  an 
entertainment  which  is  interesting  to  all,  and  a  mite  of  in- 
struction that  has  been  gathered  in  the  brief  intervals  allow- 
ed from  the  constant  occupation  of  more  active  pursuits 
which  engross  his  lime,  then  he  who  has  been  called  to 
address  them  may  reasonably  ask  the  charitable  indulgence 
of  this  enlio-htened  audience,  and  /looe  to  mitisfate  therio-our 
of  their  critical  severity. 

By  educated  7nen,  we  mean,  not  only  those  Vv^ho  devote 
their  lives  to  the  pursuits  of  literature,  but  all  who  have  en- 
joyed and  improved  the  opportunities  of  storing  their  minds 
with  science  and  knowledge  that  may  be  employed  in  the  prac- 
tical concerns  of  life,  and  the  advancement  of  the  great  in- 
terests of  society — the  learned  of  every  profession,  and  the 
disciples  of  science,  as  well  as  t!ie  poet,  the  historian,  the 
scholar  and  the  philosoplier.  The  influence  of  educated 
men,  as  thus  understood,  has  been  immense,  in  every  nation, 
on  all  the  multipled  interests  of  society.  Luther  and  his  as- 
sociates accomplished  the  most  important  revolution  ever 
effected  by  human  agency.  The  eloquence  of  Burke  saved 
his  country  from  scenes  of  blood,  rapine  and  massacre.  The 
genius  of  Scott  changed  and  controlled  the  taste  of  an  age. 
The  historic  records  of  the  world  abound  with  examples  to 
prove  the  efficacy  of  an  influence  which  must  be  obvious  to 
all— and  too  plain  to  need  their  illustration.  The  few  ex- 
ceptions that  are  furnished  by  the  power  of  unassisted  genius 
but  serve  to  illustrate,  not  to  weaken  our  position.  And  in 
regard  to  these,  it  may  be  remarked,  that  though  denied  the 
opportunities  of  public  instruction,  such  persons  have  always 

2 


10 

odticated  themselves  by  thorough  application  in  private;  and 
have  always  lamented  the  want  of  that  early  mental  disci- 
pline winch  is  found  to  be  essential  to  draw  out  the  energies 
of  intellect  to  the  full  extent  of  its  capacity.  If  the  Demos- 
thenes of  America  was  indeed  '-forest  born,"  how  much 
mightier  would  have  been  his  influence,  and  more  enduring 
his  fame,  had  he  been  endowed  with  the  cultivated  gifts  of 
the  immortal  Grecian  Orator. 

That  '-knowledge  is  power,"  has  acquired  the  force  of  an 
axiom.  The  eflbrts  ot  intellectual  power  will  manifest  them- 
selves in  outward  facts.  Genius  will  mould  the  thoughts  of 
others  in  the  model  itself  has  formed,  and  leave  its  impress 
on  the  character  of  the  age.  But  its  fruits  are  not  all  matur- 
ed in  one  age.  They  are  enjoyed  by  posterity.  Thebes 
was  laid  in  ashes,  but  Pindar  lives:  and  the  memory  of  Troy- 
will  be  eternized  in  the  immortality  of  Homer.  The  influ- 
ence of  knowledge  is  felt  on  the  moral,  social  and  political 
relations  of  men.  It  is  the  stay  of  virtue — it  chastens  the 
affections,  and  is  the  only  safe  basis  cf  the  best  form  of  go- 
vernment the  wit  of  man  has  ever  devised.  While,  on  the 
other  hand,  it  may  be  instrumental  in  promoting  vice — in  a- 
rousing  into  action  the  worst  passions  of  our  nature,  and  in 
kindlino;  the  fires  of  destruction  to  the  whole  fabric  of  soci- 
ety.  In  a  political  aspect,  its  influence  is  boundless  for  good 
or  tor  evil.  The  Revolution  which  desolated  the  fair  fields 
of  France — made  her  plains  to  overflow  with  rivers  of 
blood — and  converted  into  a  demon  of  ruin  the  goddess  of 
liberty,  at  whose  shrine  she  professed  to  worship,  was  the  re- 
sult not  merely  of  the  perverted  power  of  the  ignorant  and 
the  vile.  These  were  the  instruments  of  superior  minds — the 
poet,  the  orator,  the  divine.  Those  whose  harps  should  have 
been  tuned  to  melodies  of  sacred  \irtue — whose  eloquent  lips 
should  have  inculcated  the  lessons  of  true  wisdom — the  bea- 
con-lights whose  constant  and  pure  radiance  should  have 
guided  the  vessel  of  State  through  the  storms  and  whirlwinds 
which  endangered  the  republic,  became  the  baleful  meteors 
whose  lucid  flashings  but  ser\ed  to  produce  confusion  tmd 
disorder,  disease  and  death  ! 


11 

The  inflnence  of  educated  men  is  increased  by  the  cliar- 
acter  of  the  times,  in  which  it  is  our  destiny  to  liv'(\  Great 
events  are  on  the  winof,  castinjx  their  sliadowsbetbre.  Great 
events  will  brino-  out  and  require  great  talents  to  direct  theni. 
Civilization  is  yielding  its  precious  (ruits.  The  spirit  of  en- 
({u'wy  is  abroad,  and  the  march  of  mind  is  onward.  JMcn 
thirst  for  knowledge.  An  unparallelled  impetus  is  given  to 
the  means  of  its  acquisition.  Nev;  Aicilities  are  afforded  for 
its  communication,  and  new  motives  for  its  universal  difhi- 
sion.  Behold  the  stupendous  triumphs  of  science  and  of  art 
over  the  very  elements  of  nature:  the  magical  effects  of  steam 
and  machinery,  of  which,  extraordinary  as  they  are  on  the 
destinies  of  man.  it  n)ay  be  said  now,  as  was  said  more  than 
a  quarter  of  a  century  since,  tliat  "they  are  perhaps  only 
now  beginning  to  be  felt."  Witness,  too,  the  potent  energies 
of  the  press,  in  a  thousand  forms,  scattering,  as  witti  the 
hands  of  a  divinity,  over  the  whole  surface  of  the  earth,  the 
seeds  of  knowledge,  of  learning  and  religion.  The  mysteries 
of  science  are  not  hid  in  the  seclusion  of  the  closet,  nor  eru- 
dition buried  in  oblivion  except  to  the  few.  The  facilities 
of  mutual  intercourse  blend  together  the  thoughts  and  the 
intprests  of  society.  Mind  is  brought  into  constant  collision 
with  mind.  The  leaven  of  its  influence  is  penetrating  the 
mass.  It  is  no  longer  confined  to  the  circles  of  privileged  or- 
ders— no  longer  absorbed  by  the  abstractions  of  the  schools, 
or  limited  to  the  disquisitions  of  metaphysical  incjuiry.  Her 
fetters  have  been  broken,  and  knowledge  walks  abroad  in  lier 
true  dignity,  upholding  the  banners  of  benevolence  and  phi- 
lanthropy— asserting  the  dominion  of  man  over  nature — 
looking  to  the  feelings,  the  hopes,  the  wants,  the  substantial 
benefit  of  mankind,  and  pointing  out  to  all  the  only  true 
roads  to  human  happiness  and  fame.  In  this  era,  too,  we 
stand  on  the  accumulated  wisdom  of  ages.  The  scholar 
steps  forth  into  the  arena  of  life  with  a  mind  stored  with  the 
riches  of  the  past — and  covered  with  an  armour  prepared  by- 
all  ages.  He  may  select,  from  the  extensive  magazine  in 
which  he  stands,  all  the  weapons  and  engines  that  may  be 
necessary  or  useful  in  the  vast  field  of  his  labours. 


12 

But,  if  this  be  a  peculiar  age,  ours  is  a  peculiar  country. 
While  all  the  causes  to  which  we  have  alluded  are  combined 
liere  to  lend  power  to  human  knowledge,  and  give  influence 
to  educated  men,  others  are  superadded,  wiiich  contribute  in 
the  most  eminent  degree  to  increase  that  influence  and  en- 
hance that  power.  They  grow  out  of  the  nature  of  our  in- 
stitutions. The  people  are  the  rulers — "  the  first  estate.'' 
Their  sovereignty  is  the  fundamental  principle  in  theory  and 
practice.  It  is  the  "law  of  laws."  It  is  recognized  by  all 
our  usages  and  proclaimed  by  our  constitutions;  and  its  con- 
sequences are  disseminated  and  felt  in  all  the  afl'airs  of  socie- 
ty. E-ejecting  the  despotic  pretensions  of  the  few,  our  sys- 
tem is  based  on  the  rightlul  authority  of  the  many.  Perfect 
freedom  of  thought  and  of  action,  unrestricted  but  by  the 
conditions  the  people  themselves  have  imposed,  is  enjoyed  to 
its  fullest  extent.  "We  are,  too,  a  new  people,  not  bound 
down  by  the  opinions  of  the  Old  AYorld.  The  dazzling  fas- 
cinations of  aristocracy  have  been  blotted  out.  The  multi- 
tude no  longer  gaze  in  fear  and  wonder  on  a  lofty  order  of 
perpetual  pretension  and  hereditary  arrogance,  treading  the 
upper  air — overshadowing  the  rights  of  the  people — and 
leaving  on  the  mass  no  impression  of  their  foot-prints.  The 
inequalities  of  the  Baron  and  Serf  communities  of  continen- 
al  Europe  are  unknown  among  us.  We  need  no  longer  look 
to  the  corrupt  and  exploded  systems  of  the  monarchical  dy- 
nasties of  the  Old  World,  for  imitation  and  example.  The 
pageantry  of  conventional  pomp  and  princely  pride  has  van- 
ished. The  horizon  is  cleared;  and  men  stand  forth  in  the 
only  true  dignity  of  human  nature,  blessed  with  no  wealth 
that  is  not  the  reward  of  that  honest  labour  which  is  the  in- 
heritance of  man — and  signalized  by  no  distinction  which 
genius,  and  worth,  and  virtue  do  not  bestow.  Equality  is 
the  great  feature  of  our  social  and  political  theory;  not  that 
absolute  equality  which  confines  to  the  same  level  the  diver- 
sified gifts  of  men — annihilates  the  chances  of  time  ar.d  fate 
. — and  blends  into  one  mass  of  assimilation  all  the  various 
conditions  which  are  inevitable  in  every  state  of  nature  and 
structure  of  society;  but  that  glorious  equality  of  privilege 


13 

and  of  ri^bt,  which  freely  opens  to  all  wlio  may  desire  to  en- 
ter the  ways  of  liononr,  fortune,  place  and  power;  that  un- 
yielding- equality  which  ahows  the  same  right,  and  subjects 
to  the  same  haw,  the  President  of  a  great  nation  and  the  hum- 
ble tenant  of  a  cottage. 

This  broad  basis  on  which  we  have  built,  as  upon  a  rock, 
the  foundations  of  our  system,  is  not  only  endeared  to  us  by 
the  beneficent  results  of  our  own  experience,  but  comes  re- 
commended by  the  sanctions  of  the  highest  authority,  human 
and  divine.  It  was  taught  by  the  Apostles  and  their  Divine 
Master.  It  was  the  day-star  that  pioneered  the  revival  of 
learning  and  civihzation  in  Europe.  The  hnal  triumph  of 
the  Reformation  gave  it  a  palpable  and  living  existence.  The 
Magna  Charta  of  our  independence  proclaimed  it  to  the  world 
as  a  self-evident  truth.  And  the  principle  was  established 
in  the  plenitude  of  its  power,  as  a  fact  and  a  practice,  by  the 
ever-memorable  achievement  of  the  American  Revolution. 
If  the  seed  which  was  sown  has  been  of  slow  growth,  the 
tree  of  liberty  in  its  maturity  has  afforded  the  most  ample 
foliage  ior  the  protection  of  all.  May  we  cherish  the  fond 
hope  that  its  boughs  shall  overspread  the  earth,  and  its  ric[i 
fruit  refresh  all  nations! 

How  great  must  be  the  influence,  and  how  bright  the  anti- 
cipations, of  the  educated  man,  under  such  a  system  of  free 
institutions!  A  system  which  ensures  and  protects  the  ex- 
ertion of  every  faculty,  and  under  the  impulses  of  which  he 
may  dare  do  any  thing,  and  dare  hope  any  thing  tijat  may 
become  a  patriot  and  a  scholar ! 

But,  the  educated  man  is  still  furnished  with  another  le- 
ver, under  our  form  of  govern n.ent.  which  he  may  wield  for 
good  or  for  evil  on  the  destiny  of  the  country.  Public  opin- 
ion is  that  lever — the  opinion  of  numbers — the  declared  sense 
of  the  njajority.  Whether  it  be  a  tyrant,  as  charged  by  one 
of  the  most  philosophic  of  foreign  writers  on  the  customs 
and  institutions  of  America,  it  is  not  to  our  purpose  to  dis- 
cuss— we  speak  of  it  as  a  fact.  It  is  of  the  basis  of  our  sys- 
tem— the  siite  qua  non  of  republican  government.  It  is  the 
arbiter  of  sentiment  and  of  action.     Its  umpirage  is  decisive 


14 

on  t!ie  morals — the  habits — the  literature  of  the  nation.  It 
is  the  mirror  which  reflects  the  national  character  of  the  peo- 
ple. In  politics,  as  expressive  of  tlie  general  will  of  the  peo- 
ple, through  the  forms  they  may  establish  or  annul,  it  is  the 
supreme  law — the  Mount  Sinai  of  our  country.  It  is  (he  ut- 
terance of  that  sovereignty  whose  determination,  however 
sudden,  and  whose  edict,  however  harsh,  when  clearly  pro- 
nounced, are  obligatory  upon  all,  and  exact  immediate  and 
unqualified  submission  from  all  who  remain  in  the  pale  of  its 
authority.  The  civil  constitutions  we  have  erected  are  but 
modes  of  expression  of  the  popular  will,  which  circum- 
scribes and  directs,  by  the  established  lor^us  it  has  assumed, 
all  the  functions  of  government.  The  multiplied  power  of 
the  press — an  almost  perfect  community  of  language — our 
ready  facilities  of  intercourse — the  investigating  and  excita- 
ble spirit  of  our  people — and  the  abiding  interest  they  natu- 
rally feel  in  the  welfare  of  a  nation  that  "governs  itself  for 
itself" — give  to  public  opinion  a  rapidity  of  manifestation  un- 
exampled in  the  history  of  the  world.  The  shock  that  af- 
fects the  extremity,  electrifies  every  part  of  the  body  politic. 
The  deep  thought  or  bold  truth  that  breaks  the  centre  of  tlie 
circle,  is  borne  with  the  resistless  current  of  a  tide  to  every 
portion  of  the  circumference. 

But,  this  public  opinion  is  not  an  automaton ;  nor  can  it 
create  itself.  The  means  that  produce  and  controul  it,  will, 
under  proper  influences,  necessarily  be,  to  a  very  great  ex- 
tent, in  the  hands  of  the  educated  men  of  our  country.  Ge- 
nius and  talent  will  create,  as  well  as  direct,  the  atmosphere 
in  which  they  live.  The  positions  which  educated  men  must 
occupy  in  a  community  so  favourable  to  the  promotion  of 
knowledge,  and  the  pursuit  of  the  learned  professions^  which 
are  filled  from  their  ranks,  cannot  fail  to  invest  them  with  a 
commanding  influence.  If  this  be  true  of  all  the  professions, 
it  is  more  especially  so  of  the  profession  of  the  law.  The 
members  of  this  profession  acquire,  by  daily  and  practical  ob- 
servation, an  intimate  acquaintance  with  the  individual  and 
social  relations  and.  interests  of  men,  in  every  condition  of 
life — their  motives  of  action  and  the  objects  of  their  pursuit. 


15 

The  study  of  the  law  necessarily  involves  a  knowledge  of 
our  constitutions  and  forms  of  orovernnent:  and  when  pur- 
sued w]tli  a  proper  and  congenial  spirit,  is  eminently  calcu- 
lated to  enlarge,  elevate  and  liberalize  our  social  views.  Ev- 
ery rational  system  of  law  being  favourable  to  all  ideas  of  jus- 
tice and  propriety,  the  members  of  this  profession  have  al- 
ways been  first  to  apply  rational  principles  to  forms  of  civil 
government.  And,  as  they  have  been  led  to  study  the  rights 
of  individuals,  and  apply  to  them  doctrines  of  equity,  they 
have  glided  most  naturally  to  a  consideration  of  the  rights 
of  communities  and  the  proper  ndjustment  of  political  pow- 
er. Hence,  while  they  have  ever  stood  in  the  front  rank  of 
the  advocates  of  public  liberty,  they  have  always  been  the 
friends  of  public  order.  The  whole  history  of  our  govern- 
ment, irom  its  earliest  organization,  abounds  with  examples 
of  their  influence — their  labours — their  sacrifices — their  de- 
votion to  the  best  interests  of  their  country. 

I  am  aware  that  an  unjust  prejudice  against  this  profession 
is  fostered  from  interested  motives,  by  a  few — and  entertain- 
ed through  the  ignorance  of  many  But,  certainly,  before 
this  enlightened  audience  it  cannot  be  required  to  defend  a 
science  which,  in  the  language  of  its  great  teacher,  "em- 
ploys in  its  theory  the  noblest  faculties  of  the  soul,  and  ex- 
erts in  its  practice  the  cardinal  virtues  of  the  heart" — or  to 
vindicate  a  profession  that  has  been  adorned  by  the  genius, 
and  illustrated  by  the  virtues,  of  a  Hale — a  Mansfield — a 
Marshall — and  a  splendid  galaxy  of  others,  who  have  illu- 
mined with  vestal  fire  the  temples  of  justice,  and  ever  stood 
faithful  sentinels  on  the  watch-towers  of  liberty. 

Such,  then,  gentlemen,  is  the  age.  and  such  the  country. 
in  which  you  are  called  to  act  your  respective  parts  in  the 
great  drama  of  life ;  a  drama,  too,  in  which  real  action^  and 
not  njere  display,  or  the  dreaius  of  a  barren  philosophy,  is 
required  by  the  spirit  of  the  country  and  the  a^e.  The  mio:hty 
influence  you  do  or  can  exert,  whether  individually  or  col- 
lectively, whether  by  precept  or  exan;:ple,  involves  the  most 
serious  responsibilities.  It  is  the  talent  committed  to  your 
keeping,  not  indeed  to  be  hid  in  the  earth,  nor  even  to  be  re- 


16 

tHrned  with  usury,  but  to  he  accounted  for  with  a  profit  of  an 
hundred  fold.  It  is  a  respoijsibihty  of  the  deepest  moment 
to  ourselves — to  our  country  and  posterity.  What,  then,  are 
the  duties,  by  the  performance  of  which  this  solemn  obliga- 
tion is  to  be  discharofed?  To  us  all,  and  to  you  especially, 
vounw-  ofentlemen,  whom  the  exercises  of  another  day  will 
deprive  of  the  advantacres,  as  well  as  free  from  the  restraints, 
of  this  institution,  this  is  an  inquiry  of  the  most  lasting-  im- 
portance. The  limits  of  this  Address  will  not  permit  more 
than  an  allusion  to  some  of  the  prominent  duties  of  educated 
men  in  our  country.  More  mature  reflection  will  serve  to 
impress  the  hints  that  are  now  thrown  out,  as  well  as  to  sug- 
i^est  others  deserving  your  consideration. 

The  great  object  of  education  being  to  fit  us  for  the  exi- 
i2;encies  of  life,  it  must  be  based  on  a  system  which,  under 
the  prudent  guidance  of  the  best  instruction,  shall  most  suc- 
cessfully evolve  the  mental,  social,  and  moral  qualities  of 
our  natures;  v.'hich,  while  it  disciplines  the  mind  to  habits  of 
study  and  speculation,  shall,  at  the  same  time,  be  best  calcu- 
lated to  render  it  practically  useful;  a  system  which,  in  the 
language  of  a  profound  writer,  "shall  combine  theoretical 
knowledge  with  practical  judgment,  and  unite  refinement  of 
taste  with  energy  of  character."  Such  a  system,  we  have 
reason  to  believe,  is  satisfactorily  taught  in  the  course  at  this 
University.  But,  you  should  ever  remember,  that  to  be  grad- 
uated is  one  thing— to  be  educated  is  another;  that  here  you 
have  acquired  but  the  rudiments  of  knowledge,  and  laid  the 
foundation  on  which  the  superstructure  of  learning  and  util- 
ity is  afterwards  to  be  reared.  Wlien  brought  into  contact 
with  the  world,  the  habits  of  mental  and  moral  discipline  to 
which  you  have  here  been  accustomed,  are  to  be  constantly- 
cultivated  and  kept  in  lively  exercise.  This  duty  is  indis- 
pensable to  the  formation  of  a  just  character  for  yourselves — 
to  render  you  either  useful  and  efficient,  or  distinguished  in 
life— to  promote  and  dignify  the  cause  of  education  itself — • 
to  advance  that  grade  of  elevated  scholarship  of  which  there 
are  as  yet  so  few  examples  in  our  country — to  ensure  suc- 
cess and  lend  grace  to  the  efforts  of  talent,  in  professional  and 


[xiblic  employiiicnt  -and  to  repress  the  vonity  of  tiiat  self 
conceited  learninn;  wliicli  is  both  eoiitomptiblc  in  itself  and 
fatal  to  further  progress  in  improvement.  It  is  essential,  al- 
so, to  your  own  happiness.  Ivnowledge  is  desirable  for  its 
own  sake.  Should  you  be  unable  to  withstand  the  rude  pre- 
judices that  mav  encounter  your  path — to  overcome  the  root 
ed  iiostilities  of  the  world — and  to  ward  off  the  envy  and  de- 
traction which  the  p:lory  of  genius  itself  may  create,  remem- 
ber still  that  knowledge  is  not  without  its  own  reward.  If 
it  be  your  lot  to  sink  beneath  the  waves  of  fortune,  ratlier 
than  swim  smoothly  on  her  placid  currents,  you  will  still 
have  the  felicity  to  feel  that  you  can  retire  to  the  solitude  of 
the  scholar,  and  feast  upon  the  pure  and  enduring  riches  of 
a  treasure,  wliich,  if  the  world  cansiot  give,  it  can  neither 
take  away.  Let  it  not  be  said,  that  the  emergencies  of  lite 
will  leave  no  time  for  literary  pursuits,  or  the  attainment  of 
literary  excellence.  The  allegation  is  answered  by  the  whole 
history  of  science  and  of  letters.  Franldin  became  the  ex- 
;implar  of  the  wisdom  of  his  age,  amid  the  drudgery  of  im- 
nvoidable  labour  and  the  anxieties  of  official  station.  The 
constant  discharge  of  public  emplo'/ment,  preying  on  the  in- 
firmities of  an  enfeebled  constitution,  left  time  to  Sir  William 
Jones  to  become  the  most  accomplished  scholar  of  his  day. 
And  the  most  imperishable  productions  of  the  most  eloquent 
of  the  Romans,  were  the  fruits  of  his  leisure  from  the  urgent 
duties  of  life. 

The  great  cause  of  popular  education,  witii  the  spirit  of 
which  our  people  are  beginning  to  be  thoroughly  imbued, 
will,  in  an  especial  manner,  deserve  and  demand  the  support 
and  encouragement  of  the  educated  men  in  America.  A- 
mong  the  many  appellations  by  which  this  era  has  been  char- 
acterized, it  has  been  called  the  "  age  of  education."  It  will 
be  your  duty  to  give  new  impulse  and  increased  energy  to 
the  benign  spirit  by  which  it  is  distinguished;  to  extend  to 
all,  the  blessings  which  you  so  highly  prize.  Let  public  ed- 
ucation be  as  common  as  republican  principles,  and  let 
knowledge  reach  every  home,  that  men  may  be  wiser — bet- 
ter and  happier.     If  there  be  one  truth  better  established  than 

3 


IS 

anjtlier  by  tlio  exparieuce  oi  Miinkiiid,  it  is,  that  republican 
liberty  cuiiiot  be  maintained  by  an  ignorant  and  vicious 
oin.LMinily.  And  if  the  triteriess  of  the  truism  that  "mor- 
ality and  inteliiijfencc  are  t!ic  only  sure  basis  of  our  govern- 
ment," has  net  effaced  its  deep  importance  from  your  minds, 
S-irely  t!ie  spirit  of  patriotism  cannot  be  indifferent  to  the 
sa:;cessfu!  prog-ress  of  a  cause  whicli  is  identified  with  the  ex- 
istence of  liberty  itself.  The  imperious  necessity  of  a  duty 
so  palpable  in  itself,  cannot  require,  with  educated  men,  the 
power  of  an  argument  to  enforce  it — or  the  language  of  en- 
treaty to  secure  its  faithful  observance. 

The  literature  of  America  is  entirely  dependent  on  her  edu- 
cated men.  They  must  originate,  controul  and  givejt  charac- 
t  ;r.  I'hai  we  have  noliterature,is  often  contemptuously  charg- 
ed upon  us  by  other  nations:  that  we  have  attained  as  a  people 
no  conimanding  excellence  in  this  department,  must  be  ad- 
mitted by  ourselves.  Though  stars  of  great  brilliancy  have 
occasionally  appeared  in  our  sky,  yet  few,  if  any,  have  be- 
come so  fixed  in  the  firmament  as  certainly  to  attract  the  ad- 
miration of  all  fu'ure  ages.  But  we  are  not  to  be  reproach- 
ed for  neglect  of  the  past.  If  we  have  filled  no  niche  in  the 
t  :mple  of  literature,  it  is  because  her  avenues  have  been  clos- 
ed by  the  urgent  necessities  of  a  new  social  condition.  If 
we  have  heretofore  had  no  literary  cla?:s,  it  is  because  the  ge- 
nius and  talent  of  the  country  have  been  drawn  by  the  exi- 
gencies of  our  situation  into  other  and  more  tempting  chan- 
nels. It  is  true,  that  with  the  manners  and  civilization  of 
the  mother  country,  our  stern  and  adventurous  forefathers 
Su'ought  to  the  new  world  something  of  the  literature  of  the 
old:  that  they  possessed  an  intellectual  vigour,  and  a  degree 
of  intelligence  eminently  calculated  to  encounter  the  dan- 
gers of  a  foreign  shore,  and  to  erect  a  home  for  the  peaceful 
enjoyment  of  that  individual  prosperity  and  religious  free- 
dom of  which  they  were  deprived  by  the  oppressions  of  the 
father-land.  If  the  wish  of  the  philosopher,  "  that  all  record 
of  past  events  had  been  blotted  out,"  could  have  been  grati- 
fied, still  the  primitive  emigrants  would  have  formed  a  gov- 
ernment marked  by  the  wisdom  of  being  adapted  to  a  high 


19 

state  of  social  condition.  But,  the  flowers  ot  literature  had 
no  attraction  for  them.  Having  borne  on  their  shoulders  the 
mantles  of  Hampden  and  Sydney,  they  had  but  little  taste  or 
occasion  for  the  beauties  of  Addison  and  Tenij>!e.  Colonial 
dependence  neither  excited  the  ambition  nor  creiitcd  the  ne- 
cessity of  competing-,  by  original  production,  against  tlie  su- 
perior advantages  of  their  more  favoured  brethren.  The  in- 
dependence of  America,  while  it  removed  these  ol)st;icie'~^, 
opened  new  dilliculties  scarcely  less  formidable  to  the  suc- 
cess of  a  national  literature.  The  fields  of  adventure,  of  en- 
terprize  and  of  politics,  invited  and  encfrossed  the  labours  of 
all.  Our  National  and  State  Constifutioiis  were  to  be  estab- 
lished— the  experiment  of  self-government  to  be  essayed — 
national  prosperity  to  be  secured — commerce  to  be  prosecu- 
ted— foreign  enemies  to  be  met — our  resources  to  be  devel- 
oped—the unexplored  wilderness  to  be  felled  and  appropria- 
ted— our  fi\rms  to  be  cultivated — our  daily  bread  to  be  earn- 
ed— the  professions  to  be  filled — and  the  means  of  acquiring 
individual  wealth  to  be  devised  and  pursued.  All  these  ob- 
jects we  have  accomplished — and  effected,  too,  in  a  manner 
that  has  commanded  the  respect  and  won  t'le  admiration  of 
the  world.  Is  it  strange,  then,  that  amidst  the  constarjt  de- 
mands for  the  business  of  the  moment,  we  have  had  no  leis- 
ure for  distinction  in  literature?  No,  gentiemei;,  we  have 
achieved  glory  enough  in  the  short  space  of  half  a  century, 
to  wipe  out  the  stigma  of  not  being  a  literary  people.  But 
the  times  are  changed.  We  have  become  a  rcadins'  and  a 
thinking  people.  While  profound  learning  has  either  re- 
mained stationary  or  diminished,  general  knowledge  has  in- 
creased. Its  rudiments  are  more  widely  disseminated  than 
in  any  other  country  of  similar  extent.  The  public  presp, 
much  as  its  power  has  been  abused,  has  an  influence  une- 
qualled in  any  other  nation.  It  will  be  the  duty  of  educated 
men  to  chasten  and  refine  the  national  taste  ;  to  elevate,  a- 
mong  all  classes,  the  standard  by  wliich  the  popular  mind  is 
to  be  judged.  If  our  literature  heretofore  may  be  compared 
to  the  infancy  of  man,  for  its  love  of  imitation — its  wayward 
curiosity— its  restless  and  unwearied  activity — its  playful- 


20 

ness  of  fancy — its  fondness  for  easy  reading  and  the  toys  of 
learning,  it  should  now  assume  the  manly — the  grave — the 
sohd,  energetic  character  of  manhood,  suited  to  the  nature  of 
our  republican  institutions.  It  will  be  your  duty  to  purify 
the  press  of  its  corruptions — its  gross  scurrility — its  violent 
defamation — as  humiliatiijg  to  the  patriot  as  they  are  injuri- 
ous to  public  morals.  It  will  be  your  duty  to  strip  false  elo- 
quence of  its  unmeaning  bombast — its  multiplicity  of  words 
without  ideas — and  of  its  hollow  pretensions.  And  ever  re- 
member, that  to  be  truly  eloquent  with  the  tongue  or  the  pen ; 
to  give  power  to  truth,  and  persuade  men  to  its  adoption ;  to 
disarm  vice;  to  invigorate  public  virtue,  and  confirm  private 
morals — your  efforts  must  flow  from  a  mind  and  a  heart  deep- 
ly imbued  with  the  principle  of  the  great  master  of  eloquence, 
nefaiuriun  qnidem  oratorem^  nisi  bonnnt  vlnuii.  It  is  your 
duty  to  prepare  yourselves  for  these  hio-h  purposes,  by  the 
unremitting  study  of  the  best,  purest  and  most  chaste  mod- 
els, ancient  and  modern — by  that  thorough  education  which 
forms  the  habits  of  reflection  through  the  close  ordeal  of  sci- 
entific research — and  that  which  subdues  the  feelings  to  the 
most  rigid  test  of  virtuous  principle. 

VYc  would  have  the  literature  of  America  to  be  independ- 
ent— to  be  American — American  in  its  subjects,  its  sympa- 
thies and  its  tendencies;  not  that  we  would  have  genius  to 
know  a  party,  or  literature  establish  a  commonwealth;  not 
that  we  should  refuse  to  drink  from  the  pure  fountain  of 
learning,  wherever  to  be  found,  or  embellish  v/ith  her  flow- 
ers and  adorn  with  her  gems,  wherever  to  be  gathered;  or 
that  we  should  abandon  forever  the  fields  that  are  enriched 
v.dth  the  golden  harvest  of  centuries.  But,  the  labours  of 
authorship  should  be  directed  and  adapted  to  tb.e  situation — 
the  wants — the  feelings  and  spirit  of  our  people  and  cliarac- 
ter  of  our  institutions.  Such  works  can  only  be  produced  by 
those  who  have  lived  among  us,  and  been  nurtured  by  our 
institutions.  How  much  have  we  been  misrepresented,  and 
our  national  character  degraded,  by  the  writings  of  foreign- 
ers, whose  opportunities  for  correct  information  were  as  limi- 
ted as  their  national  bigotry  was  inveterate.     That  the  lite- 


21 

rature  of  America  will  ultimately  attain  the  highest  excel- 
lence, we  have  an  abiding  faith.  "What  nobler  materials  can 
be  found  for  the  creations  of  fancy,  or  tiie  philosophy  of  his- 
tory.^ \Viiere  has  the  abundance  of  nature  exhibited  scenes 
richer  in  beauty  and  sublimity  than  in  the  forests  of  Ameri- 
ca !-  What  history  furnishes  a  theme  n:ore  romantic  in  inci. 
dent — more  iuiposing  in  character' — move  philosophic  in  con- 
templation— more  illustrative  of  prudence  in  victory,  and 
fortitude  in  disaster — than  the  eveiitful  epoch  of  the  Ameji- 
can  Revolution?  What  theatre  has  displayed,  in  bolder  re- 
lief, the  rapidity  of  human  success,  and  tlie  grandeur  of  a 
salf-goveri:iing  people,  than  the  triumphant  career  of  Ameri- 
can greatness  I  The  native  talent  of  our  educated  sons  must 
polish  these  diamonds,  and  place  them  in  the  diadem  that 
shall  decorate  the  brow  of  American  literature.  If  freedom 
be  the  first  step  to  curiosity  and  knowledge,  then  we  have 
surmounted  the  greatest  difficulty:  and  the  way  is  cleared 
for  the  onward  march  of  the  educated  men  of  America  to 
that  proud  eminence,  whence  the  fame  of  her  future  Irvings 
in  literature,  shall  shine  as  pure  and  as  brilliant  as  that  of 
her  illustrious  Washington  in  arms. 

Vv"e  have  seen  that  the  influence  of  educated  men  is  not 
confined  to  the  secluded  walks  of  literature,  or  the  quiet 
haunts  of  poetry,  to  the  advancement  of  science,  and  promo- 
tion of  good  morals;  but  it  is  felt  on  all  the  public  interests 
of  society.  Their  ranks  are. thronged  with  the  legislators 
and  statesmen,  whose  wisdom  is  to  enlighten  the  councils  of 
the  nation,  and  whose  virtue  is  to  secure  her  happiness  and 
renown.  While  we  would  warn  them  to  beware  of  the  syren 
fascination  of  political  life — its  insatiable  desires — its  un- 
ceasing disquietudes — its  airy  hopes,  that  vanish  in  the  grasp, 
as  the  vapours  of  a  morning,  yet  we  cannot  suppose  that  ed- 
ucated men  will  be  indifferent  to  the  prosperity  of  a  country 
whose  glory  and  welfare  are  identified  with  their  own — 
whose  laws  are  of  her  own  enactment — and  whose  institu- 
tions, the  reward  of  the  noblest  valour  and  costliest  sacrifice^ 
are  to  be  preserved  and  perpetuated  by  the  vigilance  of  those 
lor  v/hose  benefit  they  are  established,  and  by  whose  apathy 


22 

thc7  may  be  destroyed.  If  the  voice  of  tliat  country  require 
rheir  services,  their  duty  will  be  to  respond  to  the  summons. 
It  is  their  duty  to  prepare  themselves  to  promote  her  true  in- 
terests, by  a  deep  and  studious  reflection  on  her  history^ — ^lipr 
constitutions  and  laws — her  resources — the  wants^ — the  hab- 
its—the spirit  of  her  people — the  dangers  to  which  we  are 
exposed,  as  well  as  the  rich  prospects  that  invite  us. 

I  will  not  trespass  on  your  patience,  if  1  even  had  the  pow- 
er to  delineate  the  high  duties  of  those  who  aspire  to  preside 
at  the  helm  of  our  destinies,  or  assist  in  their  guidance.  But, 
there  are  certain  bold  landmarks  of  duty,  which  should  nev- 
er be  obliterated,  and  certain  principles  of  conduct  that  only 
can  lead  us  in  safety. 

Political  favour  is  a  reward  from  the  people:  the  forms  of 
the  social  compact  is  the  work  of  the  people.  They  are  the  em- 
anations of  that  sovereignty  whose  voice  is  expressed  by  pub- 
lic opinion.  To  obtain  this  favour,  or  instil  sound  princi- 
ples, the  political  aspirant  and  the  advocate  of  truth,  must 
appear,  in  some  way  or  other,  before  that  tribunal  which  is 
dreadful  to  many,  but  need  be  to  none  who  have  conscious 
integrity  and  rectitude  of  purpose. 

Now,  public  opinion  may  be  and  often  is  wrong — and  the 
wonder  is,  that  it  is  not  oftener  in  error,  beset  as  it  is  by  a 
thousand  deceptions.  When  we  believe  it  has  erred,  or  is 
likely  to  err,  we  should  be  bold  to  say  so.  We  should  be  the 
defenders  of  Truth — and  speak  without  fear  what  we  believe 
to  be  true.  We  should  plant  ourselves  on  the  eternal  prin- 
ciples of  justice- -of  right  and  of  wrong — uphold  the  truth, 
and  defend  the  right.  There  must  be  no  cringing,  and 
flattery — no  mean  servility  in  our  intercourse  with  the  peo- 
ple. Be  ambitious  to  deserve,  rather  than  obtain  success^ — to 
seek  that  popularity  which  follows — not  that  which  is  run 
after.  Eschew,  as  you  would  the  leprosy,  the  vile  arts  of  the 
demagogue — the  parasites  and  sycophants,  who,  to  flatter  a 
popular  weakness,  or  pander  to  a  popular  prejudice,  would 
undermine  every  established  institution — and  amidst  the  most 
solemn  professions  of  patriotism,  and  with  the  most  ardent 
praises  of  libert/j  would  fatten  and  swell  a  foul  lust  of  pow- 


23 

er  and  of  avarice — and  enrich  themselves  with  tlie  spoils  of 
a  victory,  drawn  from  the  life-blood  of  the  republic  ! 

That  the  people  intend  the  public  good,  there  can  be  no 
question — that  they  may  err,  is  equally  true.  The  freedom 
of  enquiry  which  we  enjoy,  so  favourable  to  ultimate  truth,  is 
calculated  from  its  very  liberty  to  expose  us  to  delusions.. — 
As  every  virtue  may  become  a  vice,  so  every  privilege  we  pos- 
sess may  be  abused  and  perverted,  and  become  a  source  of 
social  evil.  It  will  be  your  duty  to  guide  pubhc  opinion  a- 
right — to  make  it  wiser,  milder  and  more  charitable.  You 
■  should  direct  its  currents  rather  than  swim  upon  its  surface. 
Do  not  fawn  as  a  courtier — but  with  frankness  and  honest 
courage  tell  the  monarch  of  his  foibles — his  errors — his  mis- 
chievous propensities.  Never  inculcate  the  doctrine  that  the 
"  Kins:  can  do  no  wrong'."  And  it  he  be  a  good  and  ^racious 
sovereign,  intending  the  public  weal,  as  we  believe  our  sov- 
ereign to  be,  though  you  may  incur  by  your  honesty  his 
temporary  displeasure,  you  shall  finally  be  rewarded  with 
the  choicest  gifts  in  his  power.  Or,  if  you  fail  in  this  hope, 
defeat  will  be  success.  You  will  have  the  enjoyment  whicli 
flows  from  the  conscientious  discharge  of  a  high  duty:  and 
posterity  will  write  an  epitaph  that  shall  do  justice  to  the 
memory  of  a  \irtae  which  could  withstand  popular  ven- 
geance for  the  good  of  your  country.  The  fame  of  Aristi- 
des  has  survived  the  disgrace  of  ostracism,  and- been  bright- 
ened by  its  infliction.  The  glory  of  Chatham  has  not  been 
sullied  because  in  Britain  he  was  the  friend  of  America. 

Resist,  too,  the  very  first  approaches  of  despotism  in  any 
shape  and  under  any  pretence.  Let  your  motto  be  '■'■obsta 
principiisy  The  liberties  of  this  country  will  not  be  destroy- 
ed by  the  strong  arm  of  violence  or  undisguised  usurpation, 
until  the  people  shall  have  become  gradually  accustomed  to 
submit  to  the  more  dangerous,  because  more  insidious,  ad- 
vances of  tyranny,  under  colour  of  authority  and  professions 
of  patriotism.  Corruption  and  public  apathy  will  have  pre- 
pared the  victim,  before  the  republic  shall  become  a  sacrifice 
to  the  ambition  of  a  Caesar.  Do  not  pass  unheeded  tlio  si- 
lent filterings  of  the  stream  throush  the  embankments  that 


24 

encircle  and  protect  our  liberties,  lest  the  wide  breach  shall 
be  made — and  the  resistless  torrent  shall  sweep  off  in  its  fury 
the  very  fabric  of  oar  institutions.  Remember,  also,  that  li- 
centiousness is  the  antipodes  of  liberty,  of  that  well  regulat- 
ed liberty  which  consists  in  obedience  to  just  and  equal  laws 
imposed  by  ourselves.  Just  restriction  is  of  the  essence  of 
liberty.  The  first  and  vital  element  of  the  social  compact  is 
obedience  to  a  government  of  some  kinder  other.  Something 
must  be  permanent  to  give  safety  to  the  system:  and  the  fun- 
damental system,  Vv'hen  established,  is  not  to  be  questioned  or 
subverted,  but  from  a  deep  and  clear  assurance  diat  it  has- 
failed  to  answer  the  purposes  of  the  social  union.  Our  alle- 
giance is  due  to  the  constitution  and  the  laws.  Preserve  in- 
violate that  constitution,  and  maintain  in  its  purity  the  su- 
premacy of  the  law.  And  while  you  should  guard  with 
sleepless  jealousy  the  undoubted  rights  of  the  States,  hold  on 
toour  H-Jonous  Union  as  the  anchor  of  our  safety.  Next  to 
freedom  itself,  let  the  union  of  the  States  be  the  last  plank  to 
which  we  shall  cling,  in  the  shipwreck  of  our  liberties. 

Preserve  untarnished  the  honour  of  your  country.  Let 
her  bright  escutcheon  never  be  stained  with  the  foul  blot  of 
Punic  faith.  Whether  in  treaty  with  the  most  potent  power 
on  earth,  or  the  defenceless  tribe  of  the  wilderness,  scorn 
with  indignation  the  man  who  would  pollute,  with  the  infa- 
my of  national  treachery,  the  proud  flag  of  our  Union.  It 
has  been  as  profoundly  as  beautifully  said,  that  "  private 
credit  is  wealth — ^public  honour  is  security.  The  feather 
that  adorns  the  royal  bird,  supports  his  flight ;  strip  him  of 
his  plumage,  and  you  fix  him  to  the  earth." 

Cherish  an  exalted  public  spirit  and  a  true  pride  of  coun- 
try. Establish  the  feeling  of  a  common  country  and  a  com- 
mon interest.  Be  American  in  your  sympathies — your 
hopes — your  ambition.  Let  the  name  of  an  "  American  cit- 
izen" be  the  proudest  title  to  which  you  can  aspire.  Be  an- 
imated by  the  example,  and  emulate  the  virtues — the  eleva- 
ted integrity — the  moderation — the  prudence — the  firmness 
and  constancy — the  vigilance  and  the  disinterested  public 
spirit,  and    warm    and   siricere  patriotism  of  the  illustrious 


25 

men  who  laid  deep  the  foundations  of  our  greatness:  and, 
especially,  of  him,  whom  the  very  inlant  has  learned  to  re- 
vere  as  the  '=  father  of  his  country" — of  him  who  stands  lirst 
and  alone  on  the  lists  of  fame — commanding  the  admiration 
of  the  wise  of  the  earth,  and  the  unbought  applause  of  mil- 
lions— of  him,  the  streams  of  whose  renown,  smino-inof  from 
the  pnre  fountains  of  private  integrity  and  public  virtue,  will 
continue  to  flow  on,  widening  and  deepening,  down  the  chan- 
nels of  time,  till  the  whole  earth  shall  be  covered  with  the 
ocean  of  his  glory  ! 

And,  above  all,  gentlemen,  cherish  and  inculcate,  as  in- 
dispensable to  the  stability  and  perpetuity  of  our  institutions, 
the  civilizing,  ennobling,  restraining  and  purifying  influences 
of  Christianity.  These  only  can  avert  from  us  the  doom 
which  has  befallen  all  other  Republics,  that  "  were,  but  are 
not"— that  have 

"  Gone,  glimmerino;,  through  the  dream  of  things  that  were — 

"  A  school-boy's  tale — tlie  wonder  of  an  hour." 

The  influences  of  the  Christian  philosophy  are  the  golden 
threads  which,  though  not  interwoven  with  the  texture  of 
our  government,  beautify,  strengthen  and  support  the  fabric. 
May  they  never  be  severed  by  the  hands  of  fate!  This  is 
the  rock  of  our  trust — the  cloud  by  day,  and  pillar  of  fire  by 
night,  that  shall  continue  to  guide  us  onward  forever  in  the 
career  of  happiness  and  true  glory. 

In  closing  this  Address,  on  a  subject  whose  copious  mate- 
rials have,  I  know,  been  so  imperfectly  treated,  we  would  en- 
treat you,  gentlemen,  to  carry  with  you,  in  every  business  of 
life,  an  abiding  sense  of  the  influence  you  possess,  and  the 
ohliijations  it  involves.  Raise  to  yourselves  an  elevated 
standard  of  moral,  social  and  political  duty.  Arm  yourselves 
to  the  full  fruition  of  the  lofty  privileges  you  enjoy.  A  glo- 
rious country  calls  you.  A  Constitution  more  perfect  than 
the  dreams  of  Plato — a  Constitution  in  which  every  fancy 
of  political  perfection  is  a  living  reality,  demands  the  devo- 
votion  of  your  hearts  and  the  exercise  of  your  energies. 
Perform  your  duty  to  Him,  who  will  judge  you  by  your 

4 


26 

fruits;  to  your'couNTRY,  that  she  may  attain  an  eminence 
which  shall  defy  the  ravages  of  time;  and  to  yourselves, 
that  when  a  future  Tacitus  comes  to  write  the  history  of 
your  influence,  he  may  record  of  your  lives,  "  Quidquid 
amavitntis — quidquid  mirati  siwius,  manet  mansurwm- 
qiie  est  in  animis  hominnm — i7i  eternitate  ternporum — 
fama  rerum.''^  >  *     «^^     - 


'c/:3 


]   Vli^}^ 


